Class-action lawsuit filed in cruise ship fiasco

The cruise ship Carnival Triumph is towed towards Mobile Bay near Dauphin Island, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 1,000 passengers aboard has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) less

The cruise ship Carnival Triumph is towed towards Mobile Bay near Dauphin Island, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 1,000 passengers aboard has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico ... more

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

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Richard Green, left, and Michael Cannon, of Mobile, looks on as the Carnival Triumph cruse ship is taken from the Alabama Cruise Terminal to be docked for repairs Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in Mobile.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea.
The ship was towed to Mobile by a group of tugboats. less

Richard Green, left, and Michael Cannon, of Mobile, looks on as the Carnival Triumph cruse ship is taken from the Alabama Cruise Terminal to be docked for repairs Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in Mobile.
The vessel ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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The Carnival Triumph cruse ship was moved from the Alabama Cruise Terminal and is now docked for repairs Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in Mobile.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea.
The ship was towed to Mobile by a group of tugboats. less

The Carnival Triumph cruse ship was moved from the Alabama Cruise Terminal and is now docked for repairs Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in Mobile.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Image 4 of 64

Mona Lisee, left, and her daughter Valerie talk about their experienceon the Carnival Triumph ship. The upbeat women said it wasn't as hard asreports suggested. They talked about a less

Mona Lisee, left, and her daughter Valerie talk about their experienceon the Carnival Triumph ship. The upbeat women said it wasn't as hard asreports suggested. They talked about a

Passengers from Carnival Cruise's Carnival Triumph cruise ship step off an airplane after being stuck on the ship since Sunday, Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The passengers will stay at a comfort station for snacks and drinks then put on a bus ride to Galveston or taken to a terminal for a flight. 4,200 passengers and ship crew were stranded when a fire in the engine room killed the ships power. The ship made land fall Thursday night in Mobile, Alabama. less

Passengers from Carnival Cruise's Carnival Triumph cruise ship step off an airplane after being stuck on the ship since Sunday, Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The passengers ... more

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle

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Kenneth Brown Jr. of Texas City walks with his daughter Amber, 11, at their hotel in Mobile, Ala., after Kenneth returned with a rental vehicle to drive his family of six home to Texas City. The family had to sleep outside on an upper deck because sewage and water flooded their room. less

Kenneth Brown Jr. of Texas City walks with his daughter Amber, 11, at their hotel in Mobile, Ala., after Kenneth returned with a rental vehicle to drive his family of six home to Texas City. The family had to ... more

The stranded Carnival Triumph ship makes its way to the Alabama Cruise Terminal in Mobile on Thursday. (Photo by Johnny Hanson/Chronicle)

The stranded Carnival Triumph ship makes its way to the Alabama Cruise Terminal in Mobile on Thursday. (Photo by Johnny Hanson/Chronicle)

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Carnival cruise CEO Micky Arison addresses the media as the stranded Carnival Triumph ship made to the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and was scheduled to return on Monday.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea. less

Carnival cruise CEO Micky Arison addresses the media as the stranded Carnival Triumph ship made to the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Kendall Jenkins and Brittany Ferguson, of Houston, walk off the Carnival Triumph. "It was my first cruise and my last," Jenkins said. "God was in control. We had impromptu Bible studies and people were praying."

Kendall Jenkins and Brittany Ferguson, of Houston, walk off the Carnival Triumph. "It was my first cruise and my last," Jenkins said. "God was in control. We had impromptu Bible studies and people were

Veronica Arriaga, of Angleton, Texas, a passenger from the disabled Carnival Triumph cruise ship, holds a sign referring to the red biohazard bags used as toilets, after arriving by bus at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 15, 2013. The ship had been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire. less

Veronica Arriaga, of Angleton, Texas, a passenger from the disabled Carnival Triumph cruise ship, holds a sign referring to the red biohazard bags used as toilets, after arriving by bus at the Hilton Riverside ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert, .

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Kendall Jenkins celebrates after stepping off the Carnival ship Triumph at the Alabama Cruise terminal in Mobile, Alabama, on February 14, 2013. The stricken Carnival cruise ship Triumph arrived back in port late February 14th, ending a nightmarish ocean voyage for some 4,000 desperate passengers and crew after it lost power over the weekend. AFP PHOTO / Dan ANDERSONDAN ANDERSON/AFP/Getty Images less

Kendall Jenkins celebrates after stepping off the Carnival ship Triumph at the Alabama Cruise terminal in Mobile, Alabama, on February 14, 2013. The stricken Carnival cruise ship Triumph arrived back in port ... more

Photo: DAN ANDERSON, AFP/Getty Images

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Kendall Jenkins kisses the ground after stepping off the Carnival ship Triumph at the Alabama Cruise terminal in Mobile, Alabama, on February 14, 2013. The stricken Carnival cruise ship Triumph arrived back in port late February 14th, ending a nightmarish ocean voyage for some 4,000 desperate passengers and crew after it lost power over the weekend. AFP PHOTO / Dan ANDERSONDAN ANDERSON/AFP/Getty Images less

Kendall Jenkins kisses the ground after stepping off the Carnival ship Triumph at the Alabama Cruise terminal in Mobile, Alabama, on February 14, 2013. The stricken Carnival cruise ship Triumph arrived back ... more

Photo: DAN ANDERSON, AFP/Getty Images

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Passengers waiting to leave the Carnival Triumph used cellphones and less-sophisticated means to send messages to shore. (Photo by Johnny Hanson/Chronicle)

Passengers waiting to leave the Carnival Triumph used cellphones and less-sophisticated means to send messages to shore. (Photo by Johnny Hanson/Chronicle)

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Jon Bansant, left, and Phillip Graham, of Seabrook, enjoy a cold beer they asked a friend meeting them in Mobile to bring. They were headed to New Orleans.

Jon Bansant, left, and Phillip Graham, of Seabrook, enjoy a cold beer they asked a friend meeting them in Mobile to bring. They were headed to New Orleans.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Adriana Perez, of Houston, could only laugh about the ordeal.

Adriana Perez, of Houston, could only laugh about the ordeal.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Karen Zapletal, right, April Sarafin, and Wanda Embrey, of Seabrook, said they made the most of a bad situation.

Karen Zapletal, right, April Sarafin, and Wanda Embrey, of Seabrook, said they made the most of a bad situation.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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James Enmon hugs his aunt Kristi Conn, both of Orange, after departing the Triumph. (AP Photo/G M Andrews)

James Enmon hugs his aunt Kristi Conn, both of Orange, after departing the Triumph. (AP Photo/G M Andrews)

Photo: G M Andrews, Associated Press

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Passengers of the Carnival Triumph walk to their buses after docking at the cruise terminal in Mobile, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The passengers will be bused to New Orleans for the night. The ship with more than 4,200 passengers and crew members has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire. (AP Photo/G M Andrews)

Passengers of the Carnival Triumph walk to their buses after docking at the cruise terminal in Mobile, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The passengers will be bused to New Orleans for the night. The ship with

People watch from their balconies aboard the Carnival Triumph after it was towed to the cruise terminal in Mobile, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with more than 4,200 passengers and crew members has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire. (AP Photo/John David Mercer) less

People watch from their balconies aboard the Carnival Triumph after it was towed to the cruise terminal in Mobile, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with more than 4,200 passengers and crew members has ... more

Photo: John David Mercer, Associated Press

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The Triumph in Mobile. (Photo by Johnny Hanson/Chronicle)

The Triumph in Mobile. (Photo by Johnny Hanson/Chronicle)

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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The ship approaches the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursday night.

The ship approaches the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursday night.

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This serene image of the Carnival ship, from Mullet Point Park in Alabama, belies the horror onboard.

This serene image of the Carnival ship, from Mullet Point Park in Alabama, belies the horror onboard.

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A view of the ship from Mullet Point Park

A view of the ship from Mullet Point Park

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David Hausmann looks on from Mullet Point Park

David Hausmann looks on from Mullet Point Park

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An Instagram photo provided by a passenger of the Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph identifying himself as Mikemoonpie shows passengers laying on mattresses on the third deck of the ship on Wednesday.

An Instagram photo provided by a passenger of the Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph identifying himself as Mikemoonpie shows passengers laying on mattresses on the third deck of the ship on Wednesday.

Photo: MIKEMOONPIE, AFP/Getty Images

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An Instagram photo provided by a passenger of the Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph identifying himself as Clarkaj shows passengers with a handmade banner at the deck of the ship on Wednesday.

An Instagram photo provided by a passenger of the Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph identifying himself as Clarkaj shows passengers with a handmade banner at the deck of the ship on Wednesday.

Photo: CLARKAJ, AFP/Getty Images

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An Instagram photo provided by a passenger of the Triumph identifying himself as Clarkaj shows tents made of bed sheets on deck.

An Instagram photo provided by a passenger of the Triumph identifying himself as Clarkaj shows tents made of bed sheets on deck.

Photo: CLARKAJ, AFP/Getty Images

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An Instagram photo provided by a passenger of the Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph identifying herself as Chasemaclaskey shows passengers charging their mobile phones on Thursday.

An Instagram photo provided by a passenger of the Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph identifying herself as Chasemaclaskey shows passengers charging their mobile phones on Thursday.

Photo: CHASEMACLASKEY, AFP/Getty Images

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An Instagram photo provided by a passenger of the Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph identifying herself as Chasemaclaskey shows passengers sleeping on the deck on Wednesday.

An Instagram photo provided by a passenger of the Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph identifying herself as Chasemaclaskey shows passengers sleeping on the deck on Wednesday.

Photo: CHASEMACLASKEY, AFP/Getty Images

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An Instagram photo provided by a passenger identifying himself as Mikemoonpie shows mattresses being placed at the elevators area on one of the floors.

An Instagram photo provided by a passenger identifying himself as Mikemoonpie shows mattresses being placed at the elevators area on one of the floors.

Photo: MIKEMOONPIE, AFP/Getty Images

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A photo from passenger Natalie Magoulas shows a helicopter flying near the ship. A Coast Guard helicopter ferried a generator and other equipment to the ship on Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune reports.

A photo from passenger Natalie Magoulas shows a helicopter flying near the ship. A Coast Guard helicopter ferried a generator and other equipment to the ship on Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune reports.

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Passengers stand on the upper deck of the disabled Carnival Lines cruise ship Triumph as it is towed to harbor off Mobile Bay, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 1,000 passengers aboard has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) less

Passengers stand on the upper deck of the disabled Carnival Lines cruise ship Triumph as it is towed to harbor off Mobile Bay, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 1,000 passengers aboard has been ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

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Passengers congregate on an upper deck of the disabled Carnival Lines cruise ship Triumph as it is towed to harbor off Mobile Bay, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with more than 4,200 passengers and crew members has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) less

Passengers congregate on an upper deck of the disabled Carnival Lines cruise ship Triumph as it is towed to harbor off Mobile Bay, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with more than 4,200 passengers and ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

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This Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 photo, provided by Kalin Hill, of Houston, shows passengers with makeshift tents on the the deck of the Carnival Triumph cruise ship at sea in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship nearing Mobile Bay is without engine power and is being towed by tugboats. (AP Photo/Kalin Hill) less

This Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 photo, provided by Kalin Hill, of Houston, shows passengers with makeshift tents on the the deck of the Carnival Triumph cruise ship at sea in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship nearing ... more

Photo: Kalin Hill, Associated Press

Image 36 of 64

Passengers spell out the word "HELP" aboard the disabled Carnival Lines cruise ship Triumph as it is towed to harbor off Mobile Bay, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with more than 4,200 passengers and crew members has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) less

Passengers spell out the word "HELP" aboard the disabled Carnival Lines cruise ship Triumph as it is towed to harbor off Mobile Bay, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with more than 4,200 passengers and ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

Image 37 of 64

In this Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 photo provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, a Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew delivers approximately 3,000 pounds of equipment, which included a generator and electrical cables, from the offshore supply vessel Lana Rose to the Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph in the Gulf of Mexico. The generator will be used to help provide additional power to the cruise ship, which has been idled for nearly a week following an engine room fire. (AP Phioto/U.S. Coast Guard, Lt. Cmdr. Paul McConnell) less

In this Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 photo provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, a Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew delivers approximately 3,000 pounds of equipment, which ... more

Photo: Lt. Cmdr. Paul McConnell, Associated Press

Image 38 of 64

MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 14: Tommy Heim of Oklahoma City talks to his travel agent to iron out details for his wife's arrival on February 14, 2013 in Mobile, Alabama. The Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph is being towed in by tugboats and is due to dock in Mobile on Thursday, four days after a fire in the engine room crippled the ship out at sea. less

MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 14: Tommy Heim of Oklahoma City talks to his travel agent to iron out details for his wife's arrival on February 14, 2013 in Mobile, Alabama. The Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph is being ... more

Photo: Jeff Gammons, Getty Images

Image 39 of 64

A disabled Carnival Lines cruise ship is towed to harbor off Mobile Bay, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 1,000 passengers aboard has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) less

A disabled Carnival Lines cruise ship is towed to harbor off Mobile Bay, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 1,000 passengers aboard has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

Image 40 of 64

In this Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 photo, provided by Kalin Hill of Houston, passengers with makeshift tents are seen on the the deck of the Carnival Triumph cruise ship at sea in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship nearing Mobile Bay is without engine power and is being towed by tugboats. (AP Photo/Kalin Hill) less

In this Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 photo, provided by Kalin Hill of Houston, passengers with makeshift tents are seen on the the deck of the Carnival Triumph cruise ship at sea in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship ... more

Photo: Kalin Hill, Associated Press

Image 41 of 64

Residents sit on the shore and watch as the cruise ship Carnival Triumph is visible near Dauphin Island, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 1,000 passengers aboard has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) less

Residents sit on the shore and watch as the cruise ship Carnival Triumph is visible near Dauphin Island, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 1,000 passengers aboard has been idled for nearly a ... more

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

Image 42 of 64

The cruise ship Carnival Triumph is visible several miles beyond the Sand Island Light House near Dauphin Island, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 1,000 passengers aboard has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire, and is being towed to port in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) less

The cruise ship Carnival Triumph is visible several miles beyond the Sand Island Light House near Dauphin Island, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 1,000 passengers aboard has been idled for ... more

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

Image 43 of 64

This Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 photo, provided by Kalin Hill, of Houston, shows passengers with makeshift tents on the the deck of the Carnival Triumph cruise ship at sea in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship nearing Mobile Bay is without engine power and is being towed by tugboats. (AP Photo/Kalin Hill) less

This Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 photo, provided by Kalin Hill, of Houston, shows passengers with makeshift tents on the the deck of the Carnival Triumph cruise ship at sea in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship nearing ... more

Photo: Kalin Hill, Associated Press

Image 44 of 64

MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 14: David Randel, President and CEO of the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, speaks at a press conference February 14, 2013 in Mobile, Alabama. The Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph is being towed in by tugboats and is due to dock in Mobile on Thursday, four days after a fire in the engine room crippled the ship out at sea. less

MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 14: David Randel, President and CEO of the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, speaks at a press conference February 14, 2013 in Mobile, Alabama. The Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph ... more

Photo: Jeff Gammons, Getty Images

Image 45 of 64

The cruise ship Carnival Triumph is visible several miles beyond the Sand Island Light House near Dauphin Island, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 4,000 passengers aboard has been idled for nearly a week in the Gulf of Mexico following an engine room fire, and is being towed to port in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) less

The cruise ship Carnival Triumph is visible several miles beyond the Sand Island Light House near Dauphin Island, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The ship with over 4,000 passengers aboard has been idled for ... more

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

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Family members hold a sign for their loved ones as people began gathering for the return of the Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and was scheduled to return on Monday.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea. less

Family members hold a sign for their loved ones as people began gathering for the return of the Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Rickey Felts stands outside of the Alabama Cruise Terminal in Mobile waiting for daughter. Ashlie, 27, who is on the Carnival Triumph.

Rickey Felts stands outside of the Alabama Cruise Terminal in Mobile waiting for daughter. Ashlie, 27, who is on the Carnival Triumph.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, .

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Ashlie Felts is on the Carnival Triumph. Her father, Rickey Felts, is waiting for her in Mobile, Ala.

Ashlie Felts is on the Carnival Triumph. Her father, Rickey Felts, is waiting for her in Mobile, Ala.

Photo: .

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Terry L. Thornton senior vice president of Carnival said "The ship should be in excellent shape by now," as he gave a press conference before the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and was scheduled to return on Monday.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea. less

Terry L. Thornton senior vice president of Carnival said "The ship should be in excellent shape by now," as he gave a press conference before the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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as they prepared for the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and was scheduled to return on Monday.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea. less

as they prepared for the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and was scheduled to return on ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Image 51 of 64

The media gathers to hear Terry L. Thornton senior vice president of Carnival speak during a press before the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and was scheduled to return on Monday.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea. less

The media gathers to hear Terry L. Thornton senior vice president of Carnival speak during a press before the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Terry Thornton, senior VP of Carnival Cruise Lines addresses the media outside the Alabama Cruise Terminal in Mobile, Ala. on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. After days stranded in the Gulf of Mexico in conditions some have described as dismal, most passengers aboard the disabled Carnival Triumph can look forward to a two-hour bus ride Thursday after they reach dry land. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves) less

Terry Thornton, senior VP of Carnival Cruise Lines addresses the media outside the Alabama Cruise Terminal in Mobile, Ala. on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. After days stranded in the Gulf of Mexico in conditions ... more

Photo: Jay Reeves, Associated Press

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Candice Jackson, pictured, is on the Carnival Triumph. Her parents Travis and Karen Jackson of Paris, Texas, are waiting in Mobile, Ala., to pick her up.

Candice Jackson, pictured, is on the Carnival Triumph. Her parents Travis and Karen Jackson of Paris, Texas, are waiting in Mobile, Ala., to pick her up.

Photo: .

Image 54 of 64

Travis and Karen Jackson of Paris, Texas brought a valentine's gift for their daughter Carlie, 20, who is stuck onboard the Carnival Triumph ship as they prepared to reunite with their daughter at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and was scheduled to return on Monday.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea. less

Travis and Karen Jackson of Paris, Texas brought a valentine's gift for their daughter Carlie, 20, who is stuck onboard the Carnival Triumph ship as they prepared to reunite with their daughter at the Alabama ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Image 55 of 64

Travis Jackson of Paris, Texas show a text from his daughter Carlie, 20, who is stuck onboard the Carnival Triumph ship as they prepared to reunite with their daughter at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and was scheduled to return on Monday.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea. less

Travis Jackson of Paris, Texas show a text from his daughter Carlie, 20, who is stuck onboard the Carnival Triumph ship as they prepared to reunite with their daughter at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Image 56 of 64

The Alabama Cruise Terminal is quiet as they prepared for the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and was scheduled to return on Monday.
The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea. less

The Alabama Cruise Terminal is quiet as they prepared for the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Mobile.
The Triumph left Galveston on ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, .

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Samuel Jones, mayor of Mobile, Ala., looks out at Mobile Bay after a press conference as the city prepared for the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Mobile. less

Samuel Jones, mayor of Mobile, Ala., looks out at Mobile Bay after a press conference as the city prepared for the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, Feb. 13, ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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The Alabama Cruise Terminal is quiet as they prepare for the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Mobile. The Triumph left Galveston on Thursday and was scheduled to return on Monday. The vessel became stranded after an engine fire leaving the 4,000 passengers floating at sea. less

The Alabama Cruise Terminal is quiet as they prepare for the return of the stranded Carnival Triumph ship at the Alabama Cruise Terminal Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Mobile. The Triumph left Galveston on ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines, addresses media representatives during a news conference regarding the cruise ship Carnival Triumph, February 12, 2013 at the company's headquarters in Miami. The cruise ship Carnival Triumph packed with 4,200 travelers was adrift in the Gulf of Mexico for a third day February 12th waiting to be towed into the US port of Mobile, Alabama. None of the 3,143 passengers and 1,086 crew aboard the 272-meter (893-foot) Carnival Triumph was injured in the fire that crippled the vessel on February 10th. AFP PHOTO / Carnival Cruise Lines / Andy Newman == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE / MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / Carnival Cruise Lines / Andy NEWMAN" / NO MARKETING / NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS / DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ==ANDY NEWMAN/AFP/Getty Images less

Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines, addresses media representatives during a news conference regarding the cruise ship Carnival Triumph, February 12, 2013 at the company's headquarters in ... more

Photo: ANDY NEWMAN, AFP/Getty Images

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In this image released by the U.S. Coast Guard on Feb. 11, 2013, a small boat belonging to the Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous patrols near the cruise ship Carnival Triumph in the Gulf of Mexico, Feb. 11, 2013. The Carnival Triumph has been floating aimlessly about 150 miles off the Yucatan Peninsula since a fire erupted in the aft engine room early Sunday, knocking out the ship's propulsion system. No one was injured and the fire was extinguished. (AP Photo/U.S. Coast Guard- Lt. Cmdr. Paul McConnell) less

In this image released by the U.S. Coast Guard on Feb. 11, 2013, a small boat belonging to the Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous patrols near the cruise ship Carnival Triumph in the Gulf of Mexico, Feb. 11, 2013. The ... more

Photo: Lt. Cmdr. Paul McConnell, Associated Press

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GULF OF MEXICO - FEBRUARY 11: In this handout from the U.S. Coast Guard, the cruise ship Carnival Triumph sits idle February 11, 2013 in the Gulf of Mexico. According to the Coast Guard, the ship lost propulsion power February 10, after a fire broke out in the engine room. less

GULF OF MEXICO - FEBRUARY 11: In this handout from the U.S. Coast Guard, the cruise ship Carnival Triumph sits idle February 11, 2013 in the Gulf of Mexico. According to the Coast Guard, the ship lost ... more

More than 3,000 passengers on the Carnival Triumph will be sent to Progreso, Mexico, and flown home from there.

More than 3,000 passengers on the Carnival Triumph will be sent to Progreso, Mexico, and flown home from there.

Photo: ANDY NEWMAN, HO

Class-action lawsuit filed in cruise ship fiasco

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A Florida maritime law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of passengers aboard the ill-fated Carnival Triumph.

The federal lawsuit, filed Monday in Florida, says that Carnival Corp. was negligent for allowing Triumph to embark on the failed cruise when the company was aware the ship was prone to mechanical and or engine issues.

Three days after leaving Galveston on Feb. 7 for Mexico, a fire ignited in the Triumph's engine room, disabling the vessel's propulsion system and knocking out power.

The cruise ship drifted for days in the Gulf of Mexico before it was towed to Mobile, Ala., on Feb. 14.

Attorneys at Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman in Miami filed the lawsuit on behalf of passengers Matt and Melissa Crusan of Oklahoma, and more than 100 other passengers.

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Most of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit are from Texas, according to attorney Mike Winkleman.

The lawsuit states passengers "were forced to sleep on deck and/or in other communal areas on the vessel, relieve themselves into buckets, bags, showers, sinks, were given spoiled or rotting food that was unfit for reasonable safe human consumption, and were generally forced to live in squalid conditions that created a severe risk of injury, illness and/or disease."

The lawsuit also charges that Carnival's decision to tow the Triumph to Mobile, instead of to the closer port of Progreso, Mexico, caused passengers to endure more time aboard the disabled vessel than necessary, prolonging their ordeal.

"The primary motivation for that (decision) was money," Winkleman said. "It was much cheaper for Carnival to tow the ship to Mobile where it would be repaired, rather than (have it towed) to Mexico and have another tow (from there) back to Alabama.

"It's cheaper to put 3,000 people on buses to Galveston than to have to fly them from Mexico."

Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen said the company would not comment on pending litigation.